Building-Zoning Office Description

The goal of the Town of Williamson Building and Zoning Office is to ensure public safety in all buildings and grounds. The function of the office is:

Enforcing Town of Williamson Code as well as New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Reviewing all plans for building permits to ensure compliance with building code and

Inspecting the work performed under each building permit

Issuing Certificates of Occupancy/Compliance for each project completed according

Performing fire safety inspections in public buildings

Answering any building, zoning, and planning related questions

NYS Division of Building Standards and Codes

NYS Division of Building Standards and CodesEnsures the Health, Safety and Resilience of the Built Environment for all New Yorkers. The Division of Building Standards and Codes (BSC) administers the mandatory statewide Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) and State Energy Conservation Construction Code (Energy Code). The Division provides a variety of services related to the Uniform Code and Energy Code. It provides technical assistance, administers variances, delivers educational courses, oversees the enforcement practices of local governments and serves as secretariat to the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council. The Albany Central Office and eleven regional offices throughout the state provide regional service to elected officials and local code enforcement personnel regarding general requirements for code enforcement. The Division program was created by Chapter 707 of the Laws of 1981. The New York Legislature enacted Article 18 of the Executive Law, directing the formulation of a Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code). The Uniform Code is designed to cover new construction, building rehabilitation, fire safety, and housing maintenance.

Building Permit Requirements

In accordance with Williamson Town Code, a building permit is required for:

erecting or installing a new structure

adding to or expanding an existing structure

altering or improving an existing structure

removing or demolishing an existing structure

changing the use or occupancy of an existing structure

installing a plumbing, electrical, heating or ventilation system, or components to an existing system

installing a swimming pool

erecting a fence

In accordance with Williamson Town Code, a building permit application must include:

the application form, completely filled out and signed by the applicant

a plot plan, drawn to scale, showing location and size of all proposed new construction, the location of all existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the relationship of structures on adjacent property, widths and grades of adjoining streets, walks and alleys, watercourses, easements and utilities on the property

duplicate copies of building plans and specifications which show the size of all proposed new construction, describe the nature and character of the work to be performed and all materials to be incorporated, and, where required by the Building Inspector, the details of structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, including computations, stress diagrams and other essential data.

the required permit fee

proof of insurance from the contractor, if one is being hired, or completed Form BP-1.

No permit is necessary when:

constructing or installing a shed or playhouse with a maximum area of 144 square feet, on a residential property